Leh, Apr 12ː The Culture Section of Information Department, Leh in collaboration with the Education Department, Health Department and Ladakh Police, Leh organised a Drugs and Substance Abuse Awareness Campaign at Lamdon Model Senior Secondary School, Leh on April 12. This awareness campaign is a part of a series of anti-substance abuse drives.

The awareness campaign is an initiative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, GoI and the Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh. The objective of the campaign is to spread substance abuse awareness. 

The students from class 5 to 12 were shown two short movies titled, ‘Trapped’ and ‘Echoes of Redemption’ that showcased the effects of drug and substance use and how it can destroy a student’s life. 

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District Commissioner, Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve advised the students to not indulge in the very first step of trying drugs as it can destroy a student’s life. He also added that parents should pay more attention to their children and their day to day life happenings . Also, he added that many children suffer from depression these days and advised them not to compare themselves to others. Further, he advised them to participate in co-curricular activities.  

Additionally, he requested to inform the administration or police about drug related issues and  he assured to keep their identity anonymous. 

Assistant Director, DIPR, Leh, Dr Tundup Namgial said that on the direction of DC, Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve, the two movies were specially made for the school students and parents to send a message. He added that we cannot undo decisions that we take in our life which is why it is important to say no to drugs. He advised the children not to chase the highs of drugs but to chase the highs of passion or hobby. 

Besides, Psychiatrist and Drug De-Addiction Specialist, SNM Hospital, Leh. Dr Tashi Tundup talked about how drug use is a social evil and how a person willing to overcome drug use needs the support of parents, friends and family. He guided everyone on what steps to follow when combating drug use or if you know anyone who is involved in such use. 

Principal, Lamdon Model Senior Secondary School, Kunzes Angmo thanked the District Administration for organising the awareness campaign at the school. She said that the movies were informative and were effective in engaging the students and everyone, be it the students, parents or the teachers got to learn something from the movies. 

Stanzin Dechen, a student of class 9 from Lamdon Model Senior Secondary School said that being a student is an asset but if one indulges in drug use they become a liability. She also said that the movies shown were quite motivating and encouraged her to focus more on her school life.

At the end, an interaction session was also held between the district administration, students, teachers, parents and Dr Tashi Tundup.